Features of the Ecological-Geological System of the Effusive Soil Massif of the West-Koshelev Volcano (Kamchatka)

The main features and structure of the ecological-geological system of the rocky effusive soils of the West-Koshelev volcano (Kamchatka) as an object of modern ecological-geological and geoecological research are analyzed. It is shown that this ecological-geological system consists of abiotic (lithotope), bioinert (edaphotop) and biotic (microbocenosis, phytocenosis and zoocenosis) components. It is shown that the ecological-geological system formed on the massif of effusive soils of the West-Koshelev volcano is a complex formation. The most important features of the considered ecological-geological system are mainly due to its lithogenic base—rocky soils (Quaternary andesites and basalts), which have specific properties (porosity up to 66% and silicon oxide content up to 64%). The composition and properties of the lithotope largely determine the properties of the edaphotope (volcanic ocherous soils rich in organic matter) and the species composition of phytocenoses (especially obligate plants) and have a lesser effect on the zoocenosis (birds and mammals permanently or temporarily living on the slopes of the volcano). The ecological-geological system selected for analysis is located on the territory of the South Kamchatka Reserve, included in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List, which contributes to the preservation of the ecological-geological system in its natural, undisturbed state and the possibility of its further research.